Commonwealth Queens Baton Relay

GB Cyclist Lewis Oliva OM 03-10 carries the Queen’s Baton Relay on the first lap around Monmouth playing field.

The relay around a 400m circuit was part of a worldwide tour of the baton ahead of Australia’s Gold Coast Games next year, and visited Monmouth School as part of its week-long journey through Wales.

Contained in the baton, which started its journey at Buckingham Palace in March, is the Queen’s message for next year’s Games, which open on April 4.

The baton was brought onto the circuit by current GB and Wales track cyclist Lewis Oliva OM 03-10 who did a lap on his bike before handing it on.

Other baton carriers included Monmouth Comprehensive pupil Dylan Hughes, a member of the Down Syndrome GB swimming team, and the Welsh U18 netball champions from Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls (HMSG), including national U21 squad member Sereima Masiwini and team coach Caroline Jones, herself a GB international triathlete.

Welsh trampoline champions Zoe Cripwell and Lawrence Johnson joined coach Tony Jones OM 60-67 on a lap, followed by former professional cricket stars and Monmouth School teachers Andy Jones and James Boiling.

Two pairs of Monmouth siblings were among the five GB and Wales rowers to do a lap, with Will and Pippa England and HMSG coach Kate Callaghan and her brother Nick HartlandOM 73-80 joining Pip Christie.

Monmouth School canicross champion Rowan Sexton raced around the track with faithful hound Henry, before handing over to former British Lions and Wales rugby star John Bevan and members of the school’s 1st XV.

The baton then went to HMSG’s dance troupe, who used it in a freewheeling rugby-themed performance choreographed by head of dance Rhyan Parry, before exiting the arena on Monmouth School pupil Peter Barnes’ ’Greenpower’ car.